God's Deliverance: Faith, Promises, and the Passover Lamb

 

Summary

In my recent sermon, I explored the profound narrative of God's deliverance as depicted in the book of Exodus, focusing particularly on chapters 5 through 12. This passage illustrates not only God's might but also His unwavering commitment to His promises, despite the apparent setbacks His people faced.

The sermon began by setting the stage with the Israelites' harsh conditions under Egyptian slavery. Despite their cries for deliverance, their situation initially worsened after Moses' first encounter with Pharaoh. This led to a deep sense of discouragement among the people, a theme that resonates with many who strive to follow God's will yet find their circumstances deteriorating.

However, the core of the message highlighted God's response to this discouragement. Through a series of divine acts, commonly referred to as the plagues, God systematically dismantled the Egyptian pantheon, which the Egyptians believed controlled various aspects of the natural and spiritual world. Each plague targeted specific deities, demonstrating their impotence compared to Yahweh's supreme power. This was not merely an act of judgment but a deliberate revelation to both the Israelites and the Egyptians that Yahweh is the one true God.

The climax of this divine demonstration was the Passover, a profound event that not only signified deliverance from physical bondage but also spiritual liberation. The Israelites were instructed to mark their doorposts with the blood of a lamb, a symbol of their obedience and faith in God's promise. This act of faith was crucial for their salvation, as it distinguished them from the Egyptians during the final plague.

The sermon concluded with a reflection on the New Testament fulfillment of the Passover lamb in Jesus Christ. Just as the Israelites applied the lamb's blood to their doorposts, we are called to apply the blood of Christ to our lives by faith. This act of faith in Jesus' sacrifice brings salvation from sin and death, echoing the deliverance of the Israelites.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Reality of God's Promises Amidst Discouragement
Even when circumstances seem to contradict God's promises, His words stand true. The Israelites' initial increase in suffering under Pharaoh's rule after Moses' intervention might have seemed like a failure. However, this was a setup for a greater demonstration of God's power and faithfulness. This teaches us that God's promises are not dependent on our circumstances but on His unchanging character. [18:11]

2. God's Sovereignty Over All Powers
The plagues were not random acts of judgment but targeted demonstrations against the specific gods of Egypt. Each plague revealed the impotence of these deities, affirming Yahweh's supremacy over all spiritual and earthly powers. This reassures us that no matter the powers we face in life, be they spiritual or physical, God has supreme authority over all. [23:55]

3. The Significance of the Passover Lamb
The Passover was not merely a historical event but a prophetic shadow of Christ's sacrifice. Just as the lamb's blood saved the Israelites, Christ's sacrifice saves us from eternal death. This parallel invites us to reflect on the depth of Christ's sacrifice and the profound love God has for us, prompting us to live in grateful obedience. [32:37]

4. Faith as the Means of Applying God's Provision
The act of applying the lamb's blood to the doorposts was an act of obedience and faith. Similarly, our salvation comes not through our works but through faith in Christ's finished work on the cross. This challenges us to consider the simplicity yet profundity of faith as the means through which we receive God's greatest gift—salvation. [42:07]

5. The Assurance of God's Love in Christ
The ultimate takeaway from the Exodus story and its fulfillment in Christ is the assurance of God's love. Nothing can separate us from this love, not trials, nor distress, nor persecution. This assurance is meant to anchor us in every season of life, reminding us of the eternal and unshakeable love God has for us in Christ. [48:04]

### Youtube Chapters

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:21] - Introduction to the Series
- [06:36] - The Big Idea of the Sermon
- [18:11] - God's Promises Amidst Discouragement
- [23:55] - Sovereignty Over All Powers
- [32:37] - The Prophetic Shadow of the Passover Lamb
- [42:07] - Faith as the Means of Salvation
- [48:04] - Assurance of God's Unshakeable Love

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 12:1-13 - This passage describes the institution of the Passover, where God instructs the Israelites to mark their doorposts with the blood of a lamb to be spared from the final plague.

#### Observation Questions
1. What were the Israelites instructed to do with the lamb's blood during the Passover? (Exodus 12:7)
2. How did Pharaoh initially respond to Moses' request to let the Israelites go? ([11:21])
3. What was the significance of the plagues targeting specific Egyptian deities? ([09:36])
4. How did the Israelites' situation change after Moses' first encounter with Pharaoh? ([13:08])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God allowed the Israelites' situation to worsen before delivering them? ([14:46])
2. How does the Passover lamb in Exodus foreshadow Jesus Christ in the New Testament? ([38:22])
3. What does the systematic dismantling of the Egyptian gods through the plagues reveal about God's sovereignty? ([23:55])
4. How can the promises of God provide perseverance in times of discouragement? ([18:11])

#### Application Questions
1. Have you ever felt discouraged when trying to follow God's will, similar to the Israelites' experience? How did you handle it? ([14:46])
2. In what ways can you remind yourself of God's promises when you are feeling discouraged or defeated? ([19:59])
3. How can you apply the concept of the Passover lamb to your own faith in Jesus Christ? ([38:22])
4. What are some "gods" or idols in your life that you need to recognize as powerless compared to God's sovereignty? ([23:55])
5. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of obedience and faith in God's provision, similar to the Israelites applying the lamb's blood to their doorposts? ([33:38])
6. Reflect on a time when you felt God's love and provision in a difficult situation. How did that experience strengthen your faith? ([37:12])
7. What specific steps can you take this week to trust in God's promises and power, especially in areas where you feel discouraged or defeated? ([44:00])

Devotional

Day 1: God's Promises Stand Firm in Trials
Despite the harsh realities and worsening conditions the Israelites faced under Pharaoh's rule, God's promises remained steadfast. Initially, when Moses confronted Pharaoh, the situation for the Israelites deteriorated, leading to increased suffering and despair. This period of hardship, however, was not a sign of God's abandonment but a prelude to a greater demonstration of His power and faithfulness. God's promises are not contingent upon our circumstances but are anchored in His unchangeable nature. This teaches us that even when our situations appear bleak, God's word holds true, preparing us for His mighty acts of deliverance. [18:11]

2 Corinthians 1:8-9
"For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent challenge where you felt overwhelmed. How can recognizing God's sovereignty in your trials change your perspective and response in future difficulties?

Day 2: The Supremacy of God Over All Powers
The plagues in Egypt were not random acts of wrath but targeted demonstrations of God's sovereignty over the Egyptian gods, each plague discrediting a specific deity of Egypt. This powerful display was intended to reveal the impotence of these gods and affirm Yahweh's supremacy. For believers, this narrative reinforces the truth that no matter what powers or challenges we face—be they spiritual, emotional, or physical—God holds ultimate authority over all. His power is unmatched and His dominion absolute, providing us with reassurance and courage in our faith journey. [23:55]

Isaiah 46:9-10
"Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’"

Reflection: What are some "powers" or challenges in your life that seem overwhelming? How can the story of God's victory over the Egyptian gods encourage you to trust in His power over your circumstances?

Day 3: Christ, Our Passover Lamb
The Passover event was not only a pivotal moment in Jewish history but also a prophetic symbol of Christ's future sacrifice. Just as the Israelites applied the blood of a lamb to their doorposts for physical and spiritual salvation, Christians apply the blood of Christ, the ultimate Passover Lamb, to their lives for salvation from sin and death. This parallel invites us to deeply appreciate the sacrifice of Christ and the profound love God has for us, urging us to live in obedience and gratitude. [32:37]

1 Corinthians 5:7
"Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed."

Reflection: How does understanding Jesus as our Passover Lamb influence your appreciation of His sacrifice? What are practical ways you can demonstrate gratitude for this gift?

Day 4: Faith as the Means to Embrace God's Salvation
The act of the Israelites marking their doorposts with the blood of a lamb was an act of obedience and faith, crucial for their deliverance. Similarly, our salvation is secured not by our deeds but through faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross. This simple yet profound truth challenges us to consider how faith plays a role in our daily lives and how it is the vehicle through which we receive God's greatest gift—salvation. [42:07]

Galatians 2:16
"Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified."

Reflection: What are some areas in your life where you struggle to rely solely on faith? How can you shift from self-reliance to complete trust in Christ's work for you?

Day 5: Anchored in God's Unshakeable Love
The ultimate message of the Exodus story, fulfilled in Christ, is the assurance of God's unending love for us. This love is not swayed by trials, distress, or persecution but remains a constant source of strength and comfort in every season of life. Understanding and embracing this love anchors us, providing a firm foundation that influences every aspect of our lives and interactions with others. [48:04]

Romans 8:38-39
"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Reflection: How does the assurance of God's unshakeable love in Christ impact your daily life and decisions? What are specific ways you can remind yourself of this truth during challenging times?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Morning, Crosspoint. How are you guys doing? Doing well? Awesome. So I am excited to be back preaching. I'm so grateful for Jim and Stephen and Jean for preaching over the last three weeks. I'm excited as we continue in our series through the story of God." [01:21]( | | )

2. "And because of a strong hand, he's actually not just going to let you go. He's going to drive you out of the land is how dramatic of a change this is going to be. And I want you to listen to these promises." [18:11]( | | )

3. "Here's the thing. I realize sometimes when our spirits feel broken, it can be hard to just hear someone else say this. So I want to close by reading several verses from Romans chapter eight. This is God's word breathed out for your good." [45:36]( | | )

### Quotes for Members

1. "And because of a strong hand, he's actually not just going to let you go. He's going to drive you out of the land is how dramatic of a change this is going to be. And I want you to listen to these promises. If you read it, I went through and I highlighted every time it says, I will. So now you have God. It's like this battle has started, right? Moses is all of a sudden thinking that I backed the wrong one. Like, is this like, why haven't you done what I thought you were going to do? I'm discouraged. And you want to do what I thought you were going to do. And you want to have Yahweh about ready to dismantle the entire pantheon of gods of Egypt. And he says, I am Yahweh. That's my personal name. I will bring you out of Egypt. I will rescue you from slavery. I will redeem you. I will take you as my people. I will be your God. And I will bring you to the land that I have promised." [18:11]( | | )

2. "This passage in Exodus 12 is like a shadow of a truer reality to come. That every year, the nation of Israel would celebrate the Passover. They would sacrifice the lamb. They would have the meal. They would tell the story. The story of God's promises and His power and His provision. And they would retell it to their children and their children's children and children. And again and again. But there was coming a lamb once and for all where no more lambs would need to be sacrificed. Because there was one final sufficient lamb. Jesus." [37:49]( | | )

3. "Take the blood of the lamb and then use a hyssop branch and dip it in the blood and then paint it on the doorframe to your house. This act of obedience showed. It goes back to that question. Who is Yahweh that I should obey him? And then you have people saying Yahweh is the one true God. And I will obey him. And if he tells me to spread blood on the doorframe so that the angel of death would pass over and not bring death and harm, I will obey." [33:38]( | | )

4. "The nation of Israel had to take the blood and apply it to the frame of their house as an act of obedience, acknowledging that God is who He says He is, that He is the one true God, and there is no other. And that act of obedience saved them from the judgment of death. In the same way, Jesus' blood is the blood of the Lamb of God, perfect, spotless. And the act of obedience that you and I are called to, to be saved from the judgment of death, is to place our faith and trust in Jesus Christ." [42:07]( | | )

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Transcript
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